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Visit Halifax in 2024

If you know Halifax, you know there are hundreds of reasons to visit, but if you’re looking for an excuse to plan a trip, we’ve made it easy with a list of the top 10 reasons to experience Halifax this year.

1. Symphony Nova Scotia’s 40th Season

Celebrating their 40th anniversary in the 2023/2024 season, Symphony Nova Scotia has an incredible concert lineup, including The Music of Queenkicking off in January 2024, and their Blockbuster Movie Hits: Heroes and Heroines show happening in April 2024.

2. Sustainable Shopping in Halifax

Elevate your wardrobe and home with people and the planet in mind by shopping at sustainable and secondhand shops in downtown and North End Halifax.

As they say, quality over quantity.  

March 21–24, 2024

3. The 2024 JUNO Awards

The JUNOS is an annual awards event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in the Canadian music industry, and this year, it’s taking place in Halifax from March 21-24, with the awards show hosted by legendary singer, songwriter, and pop superstar, Nelly Furtado at the Scotiabank Centre.

A snapshot of their events lineup includes:

JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada

JUNOS Songwriters’ Circle Presented by SOCAN & FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada

The JUNO Awards After Party, in support of MusiCounts

 

4. Explore Downtown Dartmouth

Downtown Dartmouth is a must-visit destination in 2024. The area is filled with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, cute cafes, craft breweries, and incredible views of the Halifax Harbour. It was also named one of “Canada’s coolest neighbourhoods” via The Globe and Mail.

Events kick off in January with their annual Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival, with many more exciting things happening all year long.

Foodie acclaimed: 3 out of the top 10 of Curated Magazine’s Top 50 Places to Eat 2023 are located in downtown Dartmouth (Oxalis, Dear Friend Bar, Side Hustle Snack Bar), making it a foodie-haven worth checking out.

May 17-19, 2024

5. Emera Blue Nose Marathon

The Emera Blue Nose Marathon is a running event in downtown Halifax that includes six events at different distances, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to run yourself or cheer on the participants, you’ll feel the energy!

Sustainability win: This spectacular event recently achieved Gold Standard as Atlantic Canada’s First Certified Responsible Sporting Event.

6. Cultural Foodie Festivals

From the Taste Asia Food & Culture Festival in May to the Halifax Lebanese Festival in September, Halifax is home to many cultural events, all of which have a strong culinary component.

Visit Halifax during one of these exciting events and taste your way through the diverse culture of the region. 

June 1–2, 2024

7. ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix Halifax

SailGP makes history in the summer of 2024 with the first-ever Canada Sail Grand Prix sponsored by ROCKWOOL.

Taking place on the Halifax Harbour, fans can cheer on team Canada and witness world-class sailing as teams fly across the water in SailGP’s high-performance F50 racing boats.

Think “Tall Ships Festival but with a smaller, faster and more competitive boating energy”.

July 5-7 , 2024

8. Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts

Discover the iconic village of Peggy’s Cove during the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts. Watch the village fill with colour as dozens of talented artists set up their easels to capture the town over the annual three-day event.  Visitors can watch artists at work and ask about their artistic process.

Other aspects of the festival include studio tours and an opening night reception.

9. Coastal Hikes 

The Halifax region is home to many stunning trails that follow our rugged and diverse coastal landscape. Fill your lungs with salty ocean air and explore new terrain on these scenic coastal hikes.

November 8–10, 2024 

10. Hal-Con Sci-Fi & Fantasy Convention

Hal-Con is the largest sci-fi and fantasy convention in Atlantic Canada, and often a sold-out event. Aspects of this event include a costume contest, celebrity autograph opportunities, D&D, and so much more.

Tickets sell fast, so be sure to purchase them before it’s too late.